Degussa-Huls expands silica capacity in Germany, France

FRANKFURT, Germany (Feb. 25)—Degussa-Huls A.G. is expanding capacity for silicas on two fronts—for precipitated silica at a plant in Wesseling, Germany, and for fumed silicas at a new joint venture plant in Roussilon, France. In Germany, Degussa-Huls will invest $80 million to expand its 120,000-metric-ton-per-year precipitated silicas plant by an undisclosed amount. The project is in response to increasing demand for low rolling resistance tires, which use precipitated silicas in place of—or in tandem with—carbon black. In France, Degussa-Huls is teaming up with silicone producer Rhodia S.A. to build a plant for Aerosil-brand fumed silica at Rhodia´s Roussillon factory complex. Due on stream in 2002, the unit will supply Rhodia Silicones with fumed silica for the production of silicones, the two companies said.